The Philadelphia Eagles will play the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, after beating the Washington Commanders 55-23 on January 26 by scoring eight touchdowns, seven of which came on the ground. According to CBS Sports, the Chiefs are 1.5 point favorites and the Eagles are +108 underdogs (in other words, bet $100 and get $208 back if Eagles win).
The Bi-Co News spoke via email, with four bi-co football fans including two students, a linear algebra professor, and a Bryn Mawr dean to get a sense of bi-co sentiment on the Eagle’s trip to the Super Bowl.
How long have you been a fan of the Eagles (or another team) and what does the Philadelphia area mean to you?
Adam Marcello, Haverford ’28: As someone who moved to the US about 2 years ago from a country not known for American football (aka literally every other place on the planet) I would’ve never expected to be so into the sport. I was never a sports person at all even. But coming here to Philadelphia, all my friends were so into the sport. Enthusiasm is contagious! It feels so great to just root for something that unites everybody together.
Idris Giuliano, Haverford 28′: I have been an Eagles fan for as long as I can remember since I grew up in Philly. The city means a lot to me given that I have lived here my entire life.
Angie Sheets, Associate Dean of Residential Life, Bryn Mawr: I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana in a pretty avid sports-loving family. When I was growing up, the only professional sports team in the city was the Indianapolis Pacers basketball team. Indiana is a huge basketball state, which was great for sure. We had minor league teams in other sports, but I still loved watching major league sports on TV —especially football. The Colts were still in Baltimore when I was growing up—they hadn’t yet come to Indianapolis in the dark of night scandalous move! So, I watched a lot of the greats from other teams—a lot of Steelers and Bears at that time for sure. As I got older I always wanted the experience of being in a sports-focused city. So, when I got the opportunity to come to Bryn Mawr in 1998 and be near Philly, it was a perfect fit. Even though I am a transplant, I absolutely LOVE the Eagles. I am devoted to the team and I love the passion and football knowledge of the fanbase. Win or lose, we always come back the next season!!!!
Lawrence Seminario-Romero, Professor of Mathematics, Haverford College: I grew up in Nebraska, where there’s no NFL team. Most people tend to follow college teams such as the Nebraska Cornhuskers (GO BIG RED!) My hometown, Scottsbluff, is close to Broncos Nation, and Lincoln is near Chiefs Kingdom.
Since moving to Philadelphia this past summer, I’ve started following the Eagles, especially during the NFL playoffs. I’m thankful and proud to call Philly my new home. From savoring mouthwatering cheesesteaks to running up the Rocky Steps, every moment has been memorable! I’ve even started saying “Go Birds!” whenever I see fellow Eagles fans in Center City. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Eagles play a competitive Super Bowl and hope that they come back to Philly victorious!
What do you think will be the final score and who will be Super Bowl MVP? Any other comments on how the game will go?
Adam: I’m not a wizard but I really do think it’ll be a tight game. As much as I love the Eagles, the Chiefs are a great team and are no stranger to the Superbowl as evidenced by their 2 consecutive wins. But I really do believe that with Saquon Barkley, we’ll win!! So, maybe Kansas City 28 – Philadelphia 31. As for Super Bowl MVP, I’ll just go with Saquon Barkley.
Idris: I think the final score will be 31-24 Eagles and Saquon Barkley will be the Super Bowl MVP.
Angie: As an Eagles fan, I am of course going to put forth the intention into the universe that the Birds will win!!!! Could be a close one! Score = Eagles win 30-27!!!!
I am hoping for a good game (nobody likes a boring Super Bowl) and think there could be a few lead changes during the game. I think the Eagles truly do have a better roster than KC, but the beauty of football is that anything can truly happen. “Any given Sunday,” as the saying goes! It’s a game of inches and with these two teams it may likely come down to what team will be the most disciplined and commit the fewest errors. Everything from penalties, dropped passes, a missed extra point or field goal—it all matters. Field position is always underrated but really makes a difference in the big games. When the Eagles win, I hope Saquon is the MVP!
Lawrence: This one is tricky. A three-peat by the Chiefs would be [historic], but the Eagles might be the only team that could potentially stop them. So, I’m predicting the Eagles win 24-17, and Saquon Barkley earning Super Bowl MVP honors. I also predict…the number of times Taylor Swift will be shown on television (excluding pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage) to be 7.5. If Travis Kelce makes key plays, there will definitely be plenty of footage of her proudly cheering!
The NFL MVP has been awarded to a quarterback in twelve consecutive seasons. Do you think NFL rushing leader Saquon Barkley deserved the award?
Adam: Absolutely. I really do believe he changed the game for us last season, and who knows where we’d be without him? Am I a little biased? Sure. Do I care? No.
Idris: Given the fact that the MVP is primarily a QB award at this point I don’t think Saquon did enough to win it, had he set the rushing record I think he has a case.
Angie: It has always bothered me that the award seems to always go to a QB. Given that the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl and Saquon has played such a significant role in us getting here I definitely think he should be considered and win the award. He is the biggest difference maker for this team this year and absolutely deserves MVP.
Lawrence: I believe that Josh Allen will be awarded the NFL MVP, but the fact that Saquon Barkley is in contention for the same award is a testament to his abilities as a running back. Barkley’s stats are impressive, and he will be one key player to keep an eye on during the Super Bowl. I anticipate he will have a few explosive runs against the Chiefs’ defense.
What is the biggest concern for the Eagles against the Chiefs?
Adam: I’m not too knowledgeable on the specifics and statistics in football, but I do know that in 2023 we started strong up to halftime but lost in the last half of the game.
Idris: Besides the refs, I’m always a bit worried about the passing game. Also stopping Travis Kelce.
Angie: If the Eagles don’t win, I think it will be the Eagles not executing to their ability. They have the talent, they just need to stick to fundamentals and execute.
The Chiefs are obviously an amazingly talented team with outstanding coaching.
I think one of the things that’s hardest for teams against the Chiefs is that they have such creative play calling and defensive schemes from their coaches. Even when a play looks like it’s going to break down on offense, they can improvise better than almost anyone. That is really hard and frustrating for a defense over the course of the game.
The Eagles played their best game this season in the NFC championship game. The entire time executed consistently and that’s what we will need to win this game.
Lawrence: I think the Eagles’ biggest challenge will be slowing down Patrick Mahomes. He’s such a playmaker, and trying to stop him is always tough. The defense will need to mix things up and not let him get too comfortable. On the other side, the Eagles have to keep a consistent run game and get some good yards with Saquon Barkley. Also, scoring early will be huge to put pressure on the Chiefs and keep them honest.
Where will you be watching the Super Bowl?
Adam: I hope to be in a watch party of some sort, but I have no idea where or what specifically. Maybe gather a group of friends to watch, and if worst comes to worst and no one has a streaming service to watch it on, I’ll pirate.
Idris: I’m going to watch the Super Bowl at a friend’s house in the city.
Angie: I will be watching the Super Bowl at home with my wife and our dog Kalani. I do regularly text with several friends as we watch the game together from our respective places, but I am generally not good at going to a Super Bowl party when the Eagles are playing because I am glued to the tv and focused on the game. And I might also be slightly superstitious and need to be in the same spot wearing the same outfit I do when they win.
Lawrence: I haven’t finalized my Super Bowl plans yet, but I will be snacking on some pizza, cookies, and Doritos while watching the game and commercials!
On Sunday, bi-co students will be watching from Sharpless Auditorium at Haverford, Park Center at Bryn Mawr, countless mini watch parties across campus, and from Center City Philadelphia to see the Eagles return to the Super Bowl stage.
